Stories from earlier this week and beyond.
Eli Lilly plans to acquire Ajax Therapeutics for up to $2.3 billion to develop a potential new oral treatment for myelofibrosis, a rare blood cancer. The company expects key clinical data in 2026 and intends to rapidly advance the program into larger trials, aiming to add another targeted option for patients and specialists.
Itron, a major U.S. technology provider for water and energy monitoring, says it was hacked. The company supplies utility meters and related systems used across hundreds of millions of homes and businesses. With infrastructure operators depending on its technology, the incident could affect how data is collected and managed—raising urgent questions about scope and impact.
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The Delhi High Court’s reserved decision on late industrialist Sunjay Kapur’s disputed will is now shadowed by a new conflict over the ₹10,000-crore RK Family Trust. Karisma Kapoor’s children Samaira and Kiaan have questioned their status and the trust’s functioning, while Priya Sachdev Kapur alleges they are aligning with Rani Kapur in the broader family dispute.
India confirmed their Thomas and Uber Cup 2026 quarterfinal place with a ruthless 5-0 win over Australia in Group A, after earlier beating Canada. The sweep sets up a decisive clash with top seeds China to determine the group winner. With strong performances across the lineup, India showed consistency and depth throughout the group stage.
A job seeker joined an interview only to find the recruiter absent. When asked, the recruiter allegedly offered a confusing explanation. The candidate’s firm public response, shared online, quickly went viral, sparking debate about professionalism, mutual respect, and accountability in hiring practices.
Nepal’s newly minted “super Prime Minister” Balendra Shah has completed his first month in office, and the glow of an ambitious reform agenda is already fading. Controversies have included ministerial resignations and legal backlash, while youth supporters watch closely for real gains in employment and transparency. Shah’s low public profile is also fueling curiosity about what comes next.
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Chimi Ongmu Bhutia, founder of Lagstal Design Studio in Gangtok, Sikkim, rose to national prominence after Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned her sustainable bamboo entrepreneurship in Mann Ki Baat. Her designs promote eco-friendly products and spotlight bamboo’s economic potential in Northeast India, crediting schemes like the National Bamboo Mission while pointing to ongoing gaps in funding and infrastructure.
United Airlines says it approached American Airlines about a potential merger, but American declined. United CEO Scott Kirby previously discussed the idea with President Donald Trump, though United says the meeting with the President also involved plans for Washington Dulles airport. American later made its refusal public, underscoring that talks did not progress.
A Mumbai family of four was found dead in Pydhonie’s Ghati Galli, hours after sharing a home meal that reportedly included biryani followed by watermelon snacks. The victims have been identified as Abdullah and Nasreen Dokadia and their two daughters, Ayesha and Zainab. Police preliminary investigations suggest suspected food poisoning as the possible cause.
Lieutenant Governor L.G. Saxena has approved five new districts in Ladakh—Nubra, Sham, Changthang, Zanskar and Drass—taking the Union Territory’s total to seven. The move clears a long-pending demand and is expected to decentralize administration, improve grassroots governance, and speed up public service delivery in remote regions, while also opening local growth and employment opportunities.
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Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India reported a 43% fall in Q4 consolidated profit after tax to Rs 41.49 crore for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. The company pointed to higher outflows from impairment charges, the impact of India’s new labour code, and adverse forex movements, which together weighed on earnings despite the period’s operating performance.
A viral video from Sunbeam School in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh, shows principal Mamta Mishra shouting “shut up, get lost” at parents during a fee dispute. Online backlash followed on X. Mishra later apologized for the language, saying she was provoked because parents kept pressuring for concessions even during a vaccination drive, fueling debate on fee pressure and accountability.
Security officials and the Secret Service are reviewing President Trump’s upcoming public appearances after a recent attack attempt at a major event. With threats reportedly rising, the agency is reassessing security measures across planned national celebrations and political rallies, signaling possible enhanced protocols for future gatherings.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said “Vande Mataram” should guide Bengal’s reconstruction and development in the 21st century, calling it central to India’s freedom struggle. In Barrackpore, he vowed that under a BJP government no citizen would face discrimination by caste or community, promised strict action against illegal infiltrators, and reaffirmed citizenship benefits for people from the Matua community.
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OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says the company is shaping AGI around five principles: widening access, empowering individuals, pursuing universal prosperity, strengthening resilience against major risks, and staying adaptable as the technology evolves. The framework is designed to steer AGI development toward outcomes that help more people, not just a few, while addressing uncertainty early.
Delhi Metro has issued a key advisory for commuters on the Blue and Green Lines, warning of minor inconvenience due to maintenance work on escalators at select stations. Passengers are urged to use lifts where available and plan their journeys in advance to avoid delays and crowded station areas during the maintenance window.
Former Union Minister Dinesh Trivedi has been appointed as India’s next High Commissioner to Bangladesh, expected to assume the role shortly. The move aligns with deepening bilateral ties, with discussions reportedly centering on greater media cooperation and collaboration in the energy sector. India signaled continued commitment to people-centric engagement with Bangladesh as the posting begins.
Sweet treats could get pricier this summer as conflict in West Asia disrupts supply chains. Higher costs are hitting ingredients such as dry fruits and nuts, while logistics and packaging expenses also rise. Some companies have already increased prices, and more hikes are expected if the disruptions continue and keep pressuring margins across the sector.
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EY and FICCI have urged the government to cut GST on hotel rooms priced above Rs 7,500 per night to 9%, arguing India’s total taxes and costs are making it look pricier than competitors like Thailand. The report says a lower tax could lure more international visitors, improve occupancy, and give a boost to India’s tourism industry.
Rising global fuel costs are forcing households in Kenya and India to abandon cleaner energy and return to burning charcoal and wood. The shift is increasing daily burdens on women and girls while straining conservation groups already facing funding and operational challenges. As people search for cheaper fuels, wildlife habitats and public health risks grow across forests and communities.
Bengaluru is reeling after reports of extremely young children riding two wheelers in dangerous traffic. In one incident, a child under ten was seen balancing precariously on a scooter. In another, six youngsters were reportedly crammed onto a single bike. Authorities and citizens are demanding tougher enforcement, stricter penalties, and better parental supervision to prevent repeat tragedies.
The Calcutta High Court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation demanding cancellation of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari’s nomination from Bhabanipur. He is contesting against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The court held there is no constitutional provision to cancel a candidate’s nomination, and Adhikari’s side alleged the petition was driven by political motives.
The World Health Organization says heatwave comfort doesn’t have to mean skyrocketing electricity bills. It recommends setting an air conditioner to 27°C and running a fan alongside it. The combo can make rooms feel about 4°C cooler and reduce cooling costs by up to 70%, especially important as hot nights disrupt the body’s ability to cool down.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz questioned the Trump administration’s “exit strategy” in the Iran conflict, saying he can’t see one and warning the situation is getting more complex with each passing day. As hopes for renewed Tehran-Washington talks fade, Merz said the approach risks further escalation while Germany’s ally posture is being tested.
South Korea’s presidential office says Google will build an AI campus in Seoul, aiming to bring together Google experts with local engineers and startups. The project is expected to include training programs and internships, while Google looks to deepen ties with major Korean companies. The move signals a major push to accelerate AI development with local talent.
The Allahabad High Court has directed its registry to stop using phrases like “court below” and “lower court” in official records. The move comes after a Supreme Court directive that said such terminology is unconstitutional. Going forward, the registry will use “trial court” or name the specific designated court in all documentation.
Biju Janata Dal has asked Odisha Assembly Speaker to disqualify eight MLAs accused of anti-party conduct and violating the whip in the recent Rajya Sabha elections. The BJD claims their cross-voting amounts to voluntarily giving up party membership. Congress has also acted against its MLAs for similar reasons, escalating conflict over party discipline in the state assembly.
Iran’s Coast Guard attacked the Togo-flagged chemical tanker MT Siron near Oman’s Shinas port limits on April 25, according to the country’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. The vessel had 12 Indian crew members onboard. The incident has raised concerns about maritime security in the region and the safety of foreign nationals at sea.
Global gold demand rose as ETF inflows surged and bar and coin buying accelerated, shifting consumption away from jewellery. Higher prices discouraged discretionary purchases, while investment demand strengthened worldwide and in India amid geopolitical uncertainty, diversification needs, and ongoing central bank gold accumulation.
A businessman and his wife from Guna, Madhya Pradesh, were arrested after abandoning their 2.5-year-old daughter on a highway in Sheopur, believing she brought bad luck. During the probe, police alleged the couple had not legally adopted the child and instead “purchased” her through an illegal trafficking channel in Indore for Rs. 1 lakh, with claims of physical abuse also emerging.
As US-Iran tensions rise, a viral theory claims the conflict’s true target is China. The argument: disrupting China’s oil supply and reinforcing US dollar dominance. For India, the Strait of Hormuz’s role could translate into fuel price pressure, prompting policymakers to prepare buffers amid a shifting global power balance.
Pakistan’s central bank raised its key policy rate by 100 basis points to 11.5% on Monday, its first increase in almost three years. The move is aimed at curbing inflation risks as rising oil prices linked to the Iran–U.S. conflict threaten costs in the import-dependent economy.
Virat Kohli is closing in on a landmark IPL milestone, needing only 11 runs to become the first batter to reach 9,000 league runs. RCB take on Delhi Capitals, and Kohli’s form in successful chases has been a key factor in the team’s win chances. He’s also approaching another 400-run season, raising the stakes further.
Donald Trump is set to meet top security advisors to discuss the Iran war as US-Iran negotiations remain stalled. Iran’s top diplomat blamed Washington for the failure of recent talks in Pakistan, while a new Iranian proposal reportedly did not meet US demands. The meeting signals renewed focus on security planning amid heightened diplomatic deadlock.
India’s fertilizer subsidy bill is expected to rise about 20% this financial year as higher prices ripple through supply chains after the Middle East crisis. The country is importing record volumes of urea, but at sharply higher costs. Those increased import expenses are likely to translate into larger subsidies for fertilizer sellers, keeping prices lower for farmers.
IDFC First Bank CEO V Vaidyanathan says the bank’s Q4 deposit growth slowdown was intentional and temporary, with April data already showing strong momentum. He remains confident of hitting 20% annual deposit growth in FY27, while credit costs trend lower and operating expenses stay under control. The CEO also indicated no West Asia impact yet.
Chinese autonomous driving firm WeRide is partnering with Lenovo to deploy 200,000 autonomous vehicles globally within the next five years, targeting large-scale commercialization by 2031. The rollout begins in 2026, starting with robotaxis and expanding to other self-driving vehicles worldwide, as the firms aim to move beyond pilots toward real-world operations.
The Delhi High Court has dismissed a criminal case involving industrialist Bina Modi, her security guard Surendra Prasad, and lawyer Lalit Bhasin. The dispute stemmed from an alleged assault on Samir Modi during a board meeting. After the parties reached a settlement and Samir Modi withdrew his complaint, the court closed the case against the three accused.
Philippine and US forces are holding large-scale Balikatan counter-landing drills in Palawan, rehearsing coastal defense and repelling mock assaults near the South China Sea. The exercises are billed as the largest to date, with Japan participating for the first time. Allies are practicing to protect vital resources while demonstrating readiness amid rising regional tensions.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui opened up about his 16-year-old daughter Shora, who is interested in acting but prioritizes her education. While she has watched only a few of his films, she has been openly critical of his dancing, and he says it significantly dented his confidence. He also teased upcoming projects including Main Actor Nahin Hoon and Tumbbad 2.
ICRA expects India’s passenger vehicle growth to moderate to 4–6% in FY27 after a strong FY26, citing a high base alongside macro risks and a potentially weak monsoon. Demand is still expected to hold up due to GST-related support and fresh vehicle launches. Utility vehicles are forecast to keep leading sales, while exports have risen meaningfully.
Domino’s Pizza fell short of first-quarter same-store sales estimates as inflation and economic uncertainty tightened budgets for many Americans. Rising food costs are driving consumers toward at-home meals, pressuring restaurant chains that rely on discretionary spending. Despite the weak results, Domino’s announced a $1 billion share buyback program, signaling confidence while demand shifts.
Spotify is expanding into fitness, rolling out workout videos, fitness playlists, and Peloton classes directly inside the app. The move will be available to both free and Premium users, positioning Spotify to compete in the growing ecosystem of in-app training content. Expect a more media-first approach to workouts, not just music-led experiences.
Hezbollah’s leader Naim Qassem said the group will not hold direct talks with Israel, reiterating a stance of continued resistance. At the same time, the Israeli military reported strikes in Southern Lebanon aimed at what it described as imminent threats and Hezbollah infrastructure. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Hezbollah’s moves are eroding a ceasefire.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to convene a Cobra meeting with Bank of England officials to address the economic fallout from the war in Iran. Ahead of the talks, he told trade union members that working people will be supported, but cautioned that higher fuel prices and other economic impacts may linger for some time.
Iran has restarted the age-old oil tanker Nasha, pulling the vessel from retirement to ease a looming storage crunch. Kharg Island—its main crude hub—is nearing capacity, but exports have stalled under US sanctions and a naval blockade. With few alternatives, Tehran is turning to sea-based storage to hold excess crude at least for now.
Federal Reserve policymakers meet in Washington this week, with it potentially becoming Jerome Powell’s final meeting as Fed chair. Despite uncertainty tied to elevated energy prices and an Iran war that shows no clear end, policymakers are expected to hold interest rates steady, shaping markets ahead of Powell’s next moves and possible leadership transition.
West Bengal’s 2026 election is turning into a contest of narratives where parties court voters through Bengali cultural cues. The TMC leans on Bengali identity and shared symbols, while the BJP tries to broaden its appeal beyond familiar lines. From food to festivals, campaigns are built to trigger affinity—then tested against real governance concerns. The result could signal where loyalty is shifting.
Cathie Wood sold more than $74 million worth of Advanced Micro Devices shares after the stock surged 72% in just one month. She simultaneously increased exposure to Amazon. Even as ARK ETFs saw outflows, Wood doubled down on innovation, rejecting fears that an AI-driven market bubble could be forming.
King Charles III has arrived in Washington for a high-stakes state visit aimed at strengthening UK US relations. The trip comes under heightened security scrutiny following a recent shooting incident and is further complicated by political tensions between the two governments. His agenda includes meetings with President Trump and events in New York and Virginia, underscoring the visit’s diplomatic importance.
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